RELEASE NUMBER 56 | 26
Click HERE for photos and b-roll from last year
HONOLULU – A beloved Hawaiʻi holiday tradition returns to Waikīkī as Santa Claus makes his annual ocean arrival aboard an outrigger canoe at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 at 9 a.m. Now in its 21st year, the celebration brings together guests, local families and the community for a festive morning along Waikīkī Beach.
Rather than arriving by reindeer and sleigh, Santa will paddle across the waters of Waikīkī and canoe-surf a few waves before coming ashore to welcome keiki and families. The morning’s festivities include a special hula performance by the keiki of Hālau Hula ʻO Puka’ikapuaokalani, opportunities for photos with Santa and a community beach cleanup, bringing holiday cheer together with a shared commitment to caring for Hawaiʻi’s shoreline.
“Seeing Santa arrive by canoe is something families look forward to each year, and it’s a tradition that means a great deal to our Waikīkī community,” said Steve Miller, general manager of OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort. “Celebrating 21 years is a reminder of how special it is to bring people together for the festive season on the shores of Waikīkī.”
Santa’s pre-Christmas vacation will continue on Maui, where OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort will host his arrival by canoe on Friday, Dec. 18, 2026, at around 11 a.m. Guests are invited to gather along Kāʻanapali Beach to watch him paddle in, enjoy live mele (music) and hula (dance) and take photos on the resort lawn.
Additional Festive Highlights Across the Islands
Beyond Santa’s seaside arrival, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels are celebrating the holidays across the islands with cultural programming, culinary events and community moments that connect guests to Hawaiʻi’s holiday spirit:
O‘ahu
- OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort hosts its Tree Lighting Ceremony and Toys for Keiki Drive (Dec. 1, 5–9 p.m.), with a 5 p.m. hula performance by Hālau Nā Pua Mohala I Ka Malu O Kahala and Toys for Keiki at Kani Ka Pila Grille from 6 to 9 p.m. Toys will benefit the Waikīkī Community Center. Families can also join Breakfast with Santa at Kani Ka Pila Grille (Dec. 12, 8–10 a.m.; adults $50, children $30, including a photo with Santa, kids’ activities, balloon art and body art painting), the Christmas Stocking Contest at the Ocean Tower Lobby (Dec. 22, 10 a.m.–noon), Cookie Decorating (Dec. 23), Christmas Storytelling (Dec. 24) and Cookies & Hot Cocoa at the Herb Kane Lounge (Dec. 25).
- Down the shoreline, OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort begins its season on Dec. 5 when Santa arrives by canoe on the beach fronting the resort. Guests can take a photo with Santa at Duke’s from 9:30 to 10:30a. Later in the month, guests can enjoy the Christmas Stocking Contest (Dec. 21), Cookie Decorating (Dec. 23), Christmas Storytelling (Dec. 24) and Cookies & Hot Cocoa (Dec. 25).
Maui
- At OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, Santa Claus will trade his sleigh for a canoe on Friday, Dec. 18, when he arrives on Kāʻanapali Beach at 11 a.m. Guests and locals can take photos with Santa on the resort lawn during a special Aloha Friday celebration with Hawaiian songs, hula and holiday carols. Keiki can share their holiday wishes at the Letters to Santa Station in the resort lobby, open Dec. 8–24. Even adults can send a postcard to someone special, and the resort will mail it with aloha, postage included. And on December 18, a “Makeke Kalikimaka” pop-up market will open from 10-2p on the resort lawn with local arts and crafts, the perfect last-chance shopping opportunity.
Hawai‘i Island
- At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, celebrate the season at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa with festive offerings and Makahiki games all month long. On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Kona Choral Society & Orchestra presents Part I of Handel’s Messiah at 4 p.m. at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center, featuring a 90-voice chorus, four soloists and a 25-person orchestra under Guest Director Maika‘i Nash. Tickets are $20 general admission with complimentary parking. In the resort’s lower lobby, enjoy vibrant hula and Polynesian dance by Kamakani O Ka Moku ʻĀina Performing Arts Academy on Dec. 21., a Kahakai Elementary ‘Ukulele performance on Dec. 22 and a mixed Polynesian performance of music, dance and storytelling by Kealakehe Intermediate School on Dec. 23. Santa and his elves will also be on hand for photos and letter writing, while cookie decorating and holiday treats with apple cider and hot chocolate round out the season. Ring in Christmas with a Grand Buffet on Dec. 24 or a Grand Brunch on Dec. 25 at PIKO.
Kaua‘i
- Shop local this holiday season at OUTRIGGER Kaua’i Beach Resort & Spa’s Local Holiday Market, Mele Makeke, Nov. 27–29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring more than 50 Kaua’i small businesses and vendors with handmade jewelry, handcrafted soaps, local food and unique gifts. Closer to Christmas, guests can enjoy the 35 themed Christmas trees featured around the resort along with a festive screening of Home Alone on Dec. 21 and The Polar Express on Dec. 24. A Kapa’a Middle School ‘ukulele performance and coconut-leaf star weaving will take place at the Kawelo Cultural Center on Dec. 22 and a gingerbread house contest for guests will be held on Dec. 23. They’ll also have holiday hula lessons, Hawaiian Holiday storytelling, New Year’s lei making and star weaving from December 19th-31st. Celebrate Christmas Day with a brunch buffet at Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Choose less, experience more
As more travelers choose experiences over material gifts, OUTRIGGER’s holiday celebrations invite guests to slow down and connect with loved ones across the Hawaiian Islands. From Waikīkī to Maui, Kona to Kaua‘i, each event reflects the spirit of aloha and a shared appreciation for community and place.
To make the season even brighter, the 2026 Cyber Sale offers up to 45 percent off stays across OUTRIGGER’s global collection – an invitation to give the gift of experience and celebrate the holidays with aloha.
For details, visit outrigger.com/cyber26.
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